Do the "old" rules of fashion still apply?

I'm 37 years old and feel as if I'm hopelessly stuck with the old fashion rules. Do they still apply? Or am I completely dated and out of touch?

Some of what I mean is...

- Black is slimming. Monochromatic dressing is slimming.
- Bigger patterns make you look bigger.
- More fabric makes you look bigger (i.e. ruffles and such add bulk)
- Ankle shoes, straps across ankles, etc. truncate the legs and make you look shorter
- Skirt hems that hit at the widest part of your calves make your legs look fatter

So basically, I spend all my time in solid black, slim-fitted clothing with no detail in an effort to look skinnier! And I avoid midi skirts and ankle strap shoes so my legs look longer and thinner! lol (Although I am only 5'0", so I need all the help I can get.)

Now that I've been reading more stuff here at YLF, and I am starting to think that I am hopelessly dated!

I guess what I'm asking is: Do those rules still apply? I mean, black IS slimming, right? Or am I totally wrong?

14 years ago

nicoleb

(website)

Veteran

I think all of these rules still can apply but they are also not....ultimate end all rules. After all, something black that is ill fitting would can be just as unflattering than any other color. Nude shoes with ankle straps that match your skin tone can still be elongating etc.

Take risks, try more stuff on and learn tips and tricks on here that Angie teaches. You'll be expanding your fashion wardrobe in no time!

Isis

Here's a new rule:

Being slim is not the most important thing, and is not the same as being fashionable.

I find that very liberating! I think you will love trying new kinds of clothes; always aiming for solid black form-fitting clothes really limits your options to play with fun combinations.

Does that sound fun to you?

Suz

I love Isis's rule! It goes well with the one on the home page: have fun with fashion!

All the guidelines you mentioned have their place. But if they limit your choices to basic black all the time, then the rebel in me says it's time to shake that up a bit!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I support what Nicole and Isis said 100%.

Black, although magical when worn right, is actually hard to wear in my opinion. To my eye, it can look very deadening, harsh and dull.

Please try more colour and other neutrals, Banananutmuffin. I am sure you'll look and feel more fab

Parsley

Amen, Isis!
I don't think we need to dress to in a way that makes our bodies "disappear".

I'm happy if the way I look is aesthetically pleasing, not necessarily super-thin.

Amy

Isis hit the nail on the head! Slim is nice but curves are gorgeous too.

Black can be harsh and make people look tired. Color can be rejuvenating!

Various proportions, ruffles, pleats, draping...all that contributes to what makes fashion fun.

Sveta

Isis, you are so smart - I love that rule! Actually waist surrendering is smack in the middle of it. Is it slimming? No. Is it flattering and fun? Yes!!!
My rule is to try everything and keep an open mind about new shapes and styles. If somethin tickles your fancy it is probably a winner!

Jonesy

Isis puts it so beautifully! I have nothing to add!

rachylou

Those may be axiomatic visual truths more than rules. But not all of those things are always bad. Also, they can be countered - like ankle straps and a hemline just above the knee.

Also: You have to have a good black. Faded black doesn't work.

Janet

I'm reminded of something I heard on WNTW one time: An outfit in bright colors that fits perfectly is far more slimming than head-to-toe black that doesn't fit. Period.

I love that rule, Isis. I'm still a bit hung up on that myself. If I look *larger* in any way in an outfit, I'm not crazy about it.

rae

The reason black has the reputation for being slimming is that it absorbs a lot of light and hides the shadows created by lumps/bumps/bulges. Charcoal, red, chocolate also absorb a lot of light and mask shadows well, and they can often be better than black for *overall* flattery, since they slim and flatter the complexion at the same time. Clever patterns, rouching, etc. can also disguise tummy bulge.

I think that the modern "rule" is an individual approach as opposed to blanket rules. Choosing the garment features that draw the eye to *your* slim points and downplay what *you* want to downplay. A gal w/ teeny ankles might look great in ankle straps, for example, and a plus size garment might look better with a larger print, because the scale can look corrected.

banananutmuffin

Active Member

Lots of interested food for thought... thanks!

I do understand that slim does not always = attractive or fashionable or flattering. Probably my desire to appear thinner has more to do with self esteem than anything else.

I SHOULD consider more color in my wardrobe. I wear black all the time and can't help but think more color would brighten my face, especially as I get older. I've tried buying the exact same shirt in two different colors (black and another color). Inevitably, I wear the black one always and avoid the colored one because I think it makes me look thicker. In addition, my skin coloring is a bit tricky, and I've never really figured out what colors look good on me.

Anyhoo, thanks for the thoughts on this topic!

Queen Mum

I agree with Rachylou... the "rules" you stated are actually visual truths...and many of the rules that have been stated over the years have stemmed from these truths.

I love Isis' rule. We do need to rethink our mindset. However, while we don't need to aim for looking like a stick, I do understand the desire to dress in a way that gives us a smooth looking figure. A black dress that clings to every bulge and wiggly bit is going to be much less "slimming"' and attractive than a white dress that lays smoothly over those pesky bits. I think the cut and fabrication of a garment has much more to do with the overall look than the color.

My goal in dressing is not as much to look "slim" as to look "smoothed out" and proportional. Sometimes it's just a matter of going one size up. Often it's a matter of staying away from thin cheap fabrics and choosing garments with bit more substance in the fabric.

afterism

Your post actually made me feel sad.

For what it's worth I don't think black is actually very flattering for most people. Unless your colouring is just right, it washes you out.

I find black all over has become something of a generic uniform for peple who don't know what else to do, people who are uncomfortable with their weight & people who just don't care about appearances (Doesn't mean they are lazy, just not interested.)

Unless somebody looks fantastic in a black outfit I generally don't even notice what they are wearing, it just sort of blends away.

I encourage you to try something colourful. Make it something you love but don't think you could ever wear and don't wear it with any black, including shoes.

Take note of how you feel and then try & work out why you feel that way. You will be amazed at the subconcious reasons people avoid things like colour, ruffles, etc. Once you know why you always wear the black, you will know what to work on to make you comfortable in colour.

YLF is full of women who have grown in confidence and self-knowledge as their fashion journey progresses.

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